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Blue crab season under way, species threatened

By Diego Lopez, Science and Technology on June 23, 2015

Cozumel, Q.R. – Blue crab migration has begun where the (Cardisoma guanhumi) crustacean migrates every year from local wetlands and mangroves to spawning areas, says biologist and conservationist Rafael Diaz Chacon.

Each year between the months of June and September, the blue crab are very visible as they make their way to the sea. Chacon asks people to be aware of them on roads because the species is listed as threatened and allowing them to spawn is important for conservation.

The average blue crab lives only two years but is capable of depositing up to 3,000 eggs during their life cycle. However, in addition to overcoming man-made barriers and other obstacles such as cars, the little blue crab are not immune to natural predators.

Chacon says that the road leading to the north hotel zone is one of the most common places where the blue crab crosses to the sea but are run over by cars, which is why he asks fellow Cozumeleños to take care with the crabs.

Cardisoma guanhumi are part of ecosystem that is protected by the natural reserve of the Cozumel Reefs National Park and is considered a threatened species.

Although there are restrictive speed signs warning of the presence of the species of wildlife crossing the roads, the biologist says that people still lack awareness and conservation of the blue crab.